Advanced Signal Processing Techniques for Multi-Damage Detection With an Improved Embedded Ultrasonic Structural Radar Algorithm and Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors

The embedded ultrasonic structural radar (EUSR) algorithm was developed by using piezoelectric wafer active sensor (PWAS) array to detect defects within a large area of a thin-plate specimen. EUSR was verified to be effective for detecting a single crack either at a broadside or at an offside position. However, the damage location was not very precise. This algorithm is improved by using advanced signal processing techniques. The improvement includes: 1) EUSR is able to provide better image of the specimen under monitoring; 2) it is able to detect multiple defects such as several cracks; 3) it is also able to identify different damage types. This paper starts with an introduction of embedded ultrasonic structural radar algorithm. Then the application of using Hilbert transform for extracting the envelopes of the wave packages is discussed. This can eliminate or reduce the effect of side robes so that EUSR produces better images. The improvement of EUSR detectability is concluded through the comparison to the previous results, followed by the experiments to verify the multi-damage detection of EUSR. Finally, we present the results of how EUSR can distinguish different types of damage. This system is implemented by developing a graphical user-friendly interface program in LabView. We conclude with a description of our vision for an even more powerful EUSR for structural health monitoring and embedded nondestructive evaluation.